24 Oct 2023 | Suzie Coen

Pros and cons of using AI to complete job applications

The Media Leader Jobs

AI can be used for inspiration, but customisation, originality, and critical thinking are still key.

We’ve all asked a friend or career coach for CV writing tips or help completing a job application.

So you’d imagine using AI tools like Resume Genius and ChatGPT as a sounding board wouldn’t be any different. Unfortunately, not everyone in HR agrees.

According to a recent survey by HR software company iCIMS, 39% of HR professionals say a candidate using AI to write their CV or cover letter would be a “definite deal-breaker”. Which seems arbitrary really as a quarter of employers themselves are using AI and automation in hiring and recruitment, and many more plan to embrace the technology over the next five years, according to a report by the Society for Human Resource Management.

Striking the right balance

It should come as no surprise to anyone that applicants would also use AI to make applying for jobs more efficient. While AI-powered tools offer undeniable benefits, it is essential to strike a balance between leveraging AI and adding your unique touch.

It might be tempting to view the use of AI as an example of laziness. After all, why can’t people just write a cover letter themselves? However, this argument is a bit like asking why the inventor of the typewriter couldn’t just write by hand.

Technology is constantly coming up with new ways to disrupt our traditional way of working by helping us to do things faster and more efficiently. Proponents of AI ask: shouldn’t we be congratulating those that are smart enough to take advantage of it?

A lot of career experts agree and say that employees who engage with the latest technology to streamline repetitive tasks show good time management and an openness to changing work styles.

Even if you’re not using it to write your application, knowing your way around AI is a good skill to tout. Being skilled in how and when to use ChatGPT effectively and ethically could be a great way to stand out and add value to a role or company.

How to use AI effectively

For starters, use AI-generated content as a source of inspiration and a starting point. It can be a great way to get your brain thinking, to get words on paper.

However, always make sure to review and edit AI-generated writing for spelling, grammar, repetition and inaccuracies. Bard and ChatGPT acknowledge that they may sometimes provide plausible-sounding but incorrect answers. Be aware that Al models can become excessively verbose or overuse specific phrases. If every applicant is using the same platform, bear in mind that you’ll struggle to stand out amidst a sea of uniform, automated responses.

Similarly, run AI-generated content through plagiarism checkers like Copyscape to ensure originality.

Keeping originality front and centre, customise your CV and cover letter to reflect your personal experiences and aspirations. A cover letter, for instance, is an opportunity to infuse personality and warmth, elements that are challenging for AI to replicate accurately.

Finally, keep in mind that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity and authenticity. Rather than just use it blind, you should use critical thinking to question the output and elaborate and enhance to add nuance and create bespoke tailoring.

Who’s hiring this week?

If you’re interested in future-proofing your career, it’s time to investigate opportunities with progressive companies that adopt a blended approach to AI. Your first stop? Head for the Media Leader Job Board where you can browse hundreds of jobs right now. Here are three hiring this week…

PA Media

PA Media is hiring an experienced Law Reporter to contribute to PA’s first-class written coverage of the Royal Courts of Justice and the Supreme Court. In this role you will be part of a small team in one of the most high-profile and demanding specialisms at the national news agency. You will produce accurate, fast, impartial and clearly written copy in line with the PA news agency’s core standards and as such, be confident making written and verbal legal arguments while challenging reporting restrictions. The ideal candidate will also be responsible for digging out off-beat stories from the many hearings and written judgements handed down at the courts. Find out more about this opportunity at PA Media here.

Bauer Media

If a culture of inclusion in work is key for you, investigate the open roles (Back End Developers, Account Managers and Audio Directors) at Bauer Media. The organisation’s mission statement ‘Belonging at Bauer’ encapsulates its dual goals of being representative of the audiences it serves, and creating a working environment where everyone feels able to bring their whole selves to work every day. Bauer is committed to gender equality in the workplace–currently 55% of its entire workforce are women. Beyond that, the company is working hard to level the playing field for those from under-represented groups and is proud of the external commitments it makes with BITC’s Race at Work Charter and the Social Mobility Pledge as well as the internal training it provides.

ITV

If career progression and autonomy is top of your wish list, check out the current opportunities (for Engineers, Creative Directors and Sponsorship Managers) available at ITV Jobs. The company prides itself on promoting individual thinking and offers a wide range of resources to help you develop your skills and progress your career at ITV. From day one, you’ll have access to a wide range of on-the-job and workshop based learning opportunities, including bespoke development for managers and power hour sessions focused on boosting your wellbeing, dealing with challenges and being productive.